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How to Pick a Major: Still Deciding on a Future Career? We’ve Got Some Tips for You!

It's no wonder you freeze up thinking about your undergraduate major. It's a lot to
commit to before you're even out of high school. The good news is that college isn't
just about what you want to do — it's also about finding out who you are.

So where do you start?

Take Tests and Quizzes

If your problem is figuring out a career path that matches your talents and personality,
try a few college quizzes. From multiple-choice assessments of your hobbies to in-depth
looks at your personality style, these tests don't have all the answers, but they
can give you a quick idea of what undergraduate majors might suit you best. Never
taken one? Try ours.

Assemble a College Dream Team

A university's academic advisers, faculty mentors and career development specialists
can all work with you one-on-one to help you chart your path. At SLU, the major exploration academic advisers meet with undergraduate students to talk about what career paths match their skills,
interests and abilities.

Get Involved on Campus

In a way, you've been exploring majors your entire life. If you loved to sketch early
on, maybe you're interested in majoring in architecture now. That volunteering you
did in high school might have sparked an interest in public health or social work.

Try a College Internship

Don't waste your first summer during college waiting tables. Aim for internships that
let you explore your dreams. If you think you want to major in business, do social
media work over the summer for a local start-up. Interested in teaching? Look for
an opening in a nonprofit focused on education.

Internships are also built into many degree programs, so before you graduate from
college you can spend some time trying out your major.

Study Abroad

Sometimes exploring the world can also help you explore yourself. An introduction
to different cultures or getting a global perspective could spark an interest in anything
from world health or sustainability to a passion for politics or international business.

At SLU, more than 45 study abroad programs are open to undergraduates for semester-long experiences, as well as mission trips
and exchange programs over fall and spring break.